Pakistan Secure Asian Games Squash Medal as Noor, Ashab Reach Semis

Pakistan guaranteed another medal at the Asian Games on Friday after squash players Noor Zaman and Mohammad Ashab Irfan advanced to the men's singles semi-finals in Nagoya, Japan. Their quarter-final victories ensured that Pakistan will collect at least a bronze medal from the event, with both players remaining in contention for a place in the gold-medal match.

Third-seeded Noor secured his semi-final berth by overcoming Hong Kong's Chi Hin Henry Leung at the Nagoya Kinjo Futo Arena. The Pakistani player was tested during the contest but maintained his composure to progress into the last four, extending a strong run in which he had entered the quarter-finals without dropping a game.

Fifth-seeded Ashab produced one of Pakistan's most notable results of the day against India's fourth-seeded Veer Chotrani. After losing the opening game 6-11, Ashab responded strongly and won the next three games 11-8, 11-6 and 11-6 to complete a 3-1 victory and secure his place in the semi-finals.

Ashab's win carried additional significance because Pakistan had been beaten by India in the men's team squash final at the previous Asian Games. His comeback against Chotrani kept Pakistan's individual medal hopes firmly alive and ensured two national players would feature in the singles semi-final stage.

The double qualification also marked a significant milestone for Pakistan's squash campaign. It is the first time since 2002 that two Pakistani players have reached the men's singles semi-finals at the Asian Games, underlining a notable performance by the country's representatives in Nagoya.

Both players had arrived in the quarter-finals in convincing form. Noor defeated Kuwait's Ammar Altamimi 11-4, 11-9 and 11-4 in the round of 16, while Ashab beat Saudi Arabia's Mohammad Al Alnafsan 11-9, 11-3 and 11-5. Those straight-game victories positioned the pair for Friday's decisive quarter-final matches.

The tournament format means Pakistan is already assured of a podium finish because the losing semi-finalists receive bronze medals. The focus now shifts to Saturday's semi-finals, when Noor and Ashab will attempt to advance further and earn places in Sunday's final. Their progress gives Pakistan an opportunity to improve on the guaranteed bronze and strengthens the country's medal campaign at the Asian Games.